Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner is set to appear in the upcoming show Steal. During promotions for the series, the actress, best known for her portrayal of Sansa Stark, expressed her interest in being a part of a Bollywood film and spoke fondly about Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
During an interview with Firstpost, the actress was asked about whether she follows Indian cinema, to which she responded, “That’s tough but Shah Rukh Khan is the GOAT. I love Deepika Padukone. She is amazing. I loved watching RRR. I would love to be a part of a Bollywood movie. I would love to be a part of the song and dance. It’s such a spectacle. It is unlike anything we will ever see on a western film set.”
Talking of her series Steal, it follows an ordinary office worker, Zara (Sophie) who finds herself at the heart of the heist. A typical workday at a pension fund investment company, Lochmill Capital, is upended when a gang of violent thieves burst in and force Zara and her best mate Luke (Archie Madekwe) to execute their demands. But who would steal billions of pounds of ordinary people’s pensions and why? DCI Rhys (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) is determined to find out, but as a recently relapsed gambling addict, Rhys must keep his own money problems at bay while dealing with the secret agendas and competing interests at the Centre of this far-reaching crime.
Talking about the preparation for the show, she shared, “That’s a great question, but unfortunately, my answer is- Not much preparation. Everything was there in the script for us. The story is not about the work that they do, it’s about the heist they get caught up in. I listen to crime podcasts all the time, so it seems I have been preparing all my life.”
Steal will be released on January 21 on Prime Video.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were clicked at the Mumbai airport recently, as they jetted off to New York for the holiday season. Now, some photos from fans have surfaced on social media, where the star couple are seen enjoying with their friends in New York City’s streets. Interestingly, in one of the clicks, Ranveer is posing with his ardent fans. In another click, Deepika, seemingly startled, is standing with her friends on a busy street.
One fan shared the clicks and stated, “Meeting this gem of a person “Ranveer Singh” in NYC was a beautiful surprise and keepsake memory.” Ranveer and Deepika are seen in their winter clothes. Ranveer has paired a black oversized coat with a T-shirt and beanie. Deepika was in a white ensemble, with an oversized coat, T-shirt and a muffler. The two looked chic and winter ready.
Interestingly, the couple was also recently clicked at a wedding. Social media personality Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry shared a funny reel with them. This reel offered an inside look at a family wedding in Goa. It began with Orry sharing a playful moment with the bride. The wedding glimpses, in which Ranveer and Deepika were seated in the front row, provided viewers with a glimpse into the festivities. They were dressed in matching shades of red. The duo caught everyone’s eye with their stylish and festive ensembles. Ranveer emanated regal flair in a red kurta with gold detailing and a floral garland, while Deepika looked dazzling in a red patterned saree teamed with a backless shirt and gold earrings.
Deepika will next be seen in King alongside Shah Rukh Khan. However, after parting ways with Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3, Ranveer Singh is planning to work on Jai Mehta’s Pralay. The movie may go on floors in August next year. This development comes amid the massive Box Office success of Dhurandhar. Alongside Ranveer, the Aditya Dhar directorial also starred Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun and more.
Deepika Padukone’s sister Anisha Padukone is reportedly set to tie the knot with her longtime boyfriend Rohan Acharya. While an official announcement hasn’t been made yet, a report by Deccan Chronicle states that the Acharya family has shared the news of a wedding in the near future.
Who is Rohan Acharya?Rohan Acharya works in Dubai and is the great grandson of legendary yesteryear director Bimal Roy. Chimoo Acharya, Rohan’s mother, is the daughter of Rinki Roy Bhattacharya and Basu Bhattacharya. Rinki is Bimal Roy’s daughter.
Interestingly, Rohan’s family tree extends up to the Deols. Chimoo married Sumit Acharya. He is a Dubai-based corporate executive. Now their daughter and Rohan’s sister Drisha Acharya is married to Karan Deol and happens to be Sunny Deol’s elder daughter-in-law.
Wedding details
The Padukone family is yet to make an official announcement. While the news has only come out as rumours and reports, fans have been excited to know whether Deepika and her family are really preparing for a grand wedding. Deepika and Ranveer Singh also happen to follow Rohan on social media. Moreover, Ranveer and Rohan’s families are reportedly close to each other. The report from Deccan Chronicle adds, “Ranveer Singh could well have played cupid… Ranveer’s parents and Sumit Acharya are very close. It’s a wonderful family, and Anisha and Rohan naturally clicked as they met over several gatherings.”
Up: Deepika Padukone with sister Anisha Padukone. Down: Sunny Deol with son Karan Deol, Drisha Acharya’s husband.
About Anisha PadukoneDespite being the sibling of a star sister, Anisha Padukone has chosen to be out of the spotlight. For those unaware of her career, she is a professional golfer and also heads her sister’s initiative Live Love Laugh Foundation. ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone’s Birthday Wish for Prakash Padukone is Heartwarming
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s adorable moment with baby Dua goes viral; B-town celebs REACT
Bollywood stars swooned over Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s adorable family pictures with their one-year-old daughter, Dua. The proud parents shared heartwarming photos on Diwali, showcasing their little bundle of joy.
By: Video Desk | Published: October 22, 2025 10:21 PM IST
Bollywood’s renowned couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, celebrated Diwali by posting a series of heartwarming family photos with their one-year-old daughter, Dua, which delighted fans across social media platforms. The couple shared their little bundle of joy on Instagram and the internet melted in their wake.
Dua’s cute smile, cute poses, and playful behavior melted even the toughest hearts. Fans and other celebrities were engaged by her adorable expressions, and shared the family’s excitement in these happy moments. You could see the pride in both Deepika and Ranveer’s faces as the looked at their baby girl. Dua’s pictures blown up on the internet, with famous Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and Karan Johar showing their love and blessings to the family.
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Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have finally shared photos of their daughter Dua on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. The little one was born to the couple on September 8, 2024. They have always been private about their daughter and even requested the paparazzi not to click and circulate photos of their little one. However, today, the Jawan actress took to social media to share a couple of family photos featuring her, Ranveer and Dua.
The mother-daughter duo twinned in red outfits while the Gully Boy actor looked handsome in a white ensemble. He paired a kurta with trousers and a Nehru jacket and completed his look with a golden neckpiece. Deepika was dressed in a red suit with golden patterns, and her daughter wore a similar outfit. In the pictures, the actress can be seen carrying her baby girl in her arms while Ranveer holds them from the other side. Dua smiled adorably for the pictures. In one of the photos, she can be seen sitting on her mother’s lap while she performs a puja. Captioning the post, Deepika wrote in Hindi, “Heartiest wishes of Diwali”
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone were recently photographed at the airport, returning to Mumbai. The actors had greeted each other at the airport in the morning, before jetting off to their destination. Ranbir was seen in an overall black ensemble while Deepika wore a gray outfit with white stripes.
However, in the recent photos from the airport, Ranbir is seen wearing a brown jacket, white T-shirt and dark denim pants. Deepika, on the other hand, is seen in a white traditional ensemble. The two shared a hug, before entering their cars.
On the professional front, Ranbir is preparing for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War. Deepika recently announced that she has begun filming Shah Rukh Khan’s King.
Kalki 2898 AD: Is THIS why Deepika Padukone was dropped from the sequel?
Read further to know what made Deepika Padukone leave Kalki 2898 AD.
Deepika Padukone will not be seen in Kalki 2898 AD, and she’s making headlines about it all over once again because of her exit from the upcoming sequel of the movie Kalki 2989 AD . A few months ago, news about Deepika Padukone ‘s and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s spirit circulated because the filmmaker was not ready to accept the terms and conditions that Deepika Padukone demanded for an eight-hour shift, and there were other issues as well. Now, in the new headlines, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD announced that Deepika won’t be a part of the film’s sequel. In their tweet, they mentioned that a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves commitment and time.
Now, according to a report in Bollywood Hungama, there are multiple reasons why the makers decided not to have Deepika in Kalki Part 2. An inside source said that Deepika has demanded a 25 percent increment in her fees. She was also adamant about shooting for just seven hours a day.
The source also said, “Given that Kalki 2898 AD is a VFX-heavy film, such short shoots were likely to shoot up the budget by a reasonable amount. The producers were willing to provide a luxury vanity for Deepika to rest in exchange for longer shoot hours, but she refused. They also tried to negotiate finances, given that even Prabhas had not asked for an increment in fees. She and her team refused to adjust on either.”
The source added that Deepika has a huge team of almost 25 people that travels with her on the sets. “They demanded five-star accommodation and reimbursement for food throughout the shoot for her entourage. Why should the producers pay for the stay and food of an actor, over and above the fees? This is an issue that a lot of Hindi producers also face. “ The source said, “This was the issue on Spirit too , and now Kalki 2898 AD. Actors have to be more collaborative to make films work.” Deepika has not yet shared any official statement about her exit from Kalki 2898 AD Part 2.
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Just recently, Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Deepika Padukone’s alleged cold war made headlines. The fallout happened after the actress stepped away from Vanga’s Spirit. The reason for this was her demand for an 8-hour shift, which didn’t fit well with the director, and as a result, she left the movie. Her demand sparked debate among the filmmakers and actors in the film fraternity. Now, Adivi Sesh shared his opinion on the controversy.
Adivi Sesh reacts to Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift controversy
In an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, Adivi Sesh was asked about his opinion on Deepika Padukone’s demand to work 8 hour. Commenting on this, he said, “I heard a little bit about it but I don’t know the details. I am not being politically correct. I don’t know what happened. Unke situation pe comment karna ethically galat hai (It is ethically wrong to comment on their situation).”
Further, he shared his opinion, “Academically speaking, what is acceptable for an actor or an actress and a director is what is agreed upon between them.”
Watch Adivi Sesh’s exclusive interview with Pinkvilla here-
Speaking about his experience of working at various shifts, Adivi Sesh said, “I have worked in situations where I was working with a busy character artist who could only come for 3 hours at a time for the whole week.”
Adivi revealed that the character artist was “Vennela Kishore.” He said, “He is like the Johnny Lever of South India, so he was extremely busy. We had to make do it with it.”
The Goodachari actor added, “What is agreed upon between a filmmaker and his actors is the only thing that matters. There is no rule per say. Kyuki film 12 ghante banate hai, 18 ghante banate, 6 ghante banate, marzi. Oversimplify kar rahe hai agar bol rahe hai ki 8 ghante, 6 ghante. Yeh 9 to 5 ka kaam nahi hai (Because film is made for 12 hours, 8 hours, 6 hours, it is their wish. It is being oversimplified if you are saying that work needs to be 8-6 hours. This is not 9 to 5 work).”
As Deepika Padukone’s demand was from a mother’s perspective, Adivi shared his thoughts, saying, “As far as I am concerned, I think it’s entirely based on the agreement between the filmmaker and the actor. Practically, it will not work if they have to shoot. If 20 more days get added to the schedule and the budget is not there, how do they accommodate it? I think whatever it should be, it should be agreed upon beforehand. Motherhood or otherwise.”
In the same interview, Adivi also opened up about his writing journey, acting career, and personal experiences.
The much-awaited trailer for Rohit Shetty’s mega cop universe film, Singham Again, dropped yesterday, igniting excitement among fans. This time, we’re introduced to the franchise’s first lady cop, played by none other than Deepika Padukone. Her fierce and unapologetic character is set to steal the show this Diwali.
As we gear up for her latest avatar, let’s take a look at five of Deepika’s most popular roles that have captured our hearts:
Cocktail
In Homi Adajania’s Cocktail, Deepika plays the unconventional Veronica, a free-spirited and fun-loving woman who embraces life without attachment. Known for her bold personality and adventurous spirit, Veronica challenges societal norms about love and relationships. Deepika’s portrayal was hugely praised, making Veronica one of her most iconic roles. Her sizzling chemistry with co-stars Saif Ali Khan and Diana Penty added to the film’s charm, and songs like Tum Hi Ho Bandhu became anthems for friendship and love.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
In Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Deepika embodies Leela, a headstrong woman caught in the crossfire of family feuds and forbidden love. With her vibrant presence and emotional depth, she portrays a character willing to defy societal expectations for her passion. Deepika’s powerful performance earned her accolades, with many praising the complexity and vulnerability she brought to Leela.
Jawan
In Jawan, she plays Aishwarya Rathore alongside Shah Rukh Khan, delivering a standout performance that resonated with audiences. Deepika’s character adds a layer of emotional depth to the film’s gripping narrative, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her appearance received overwhelming praise, with fans applauding the chemistry between her and Shah Rukh Khan, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year. The film’s thrilling action sequences and engaging storyline were complemented by Deepika’s strong screen presence.
Pathaan
In Pathaan, Deepika dazzles as Rubina Mohsin, an ISI agent with a fierce attitude and a heart of gold. Her commanding presence in action sequences left audiences in awe, and she quickly became a fan favourite. Deepika’s ability to portray strength and vulnerability simultaneously added depth to her character. With adrenaline-pumping action and a gripping plot, Pathaan became a massive box office hit, further solidifying her status as a leading lady in Bollywood.
With her impressive track record, we can’t wait to see Deepika Padukone cast her spell as Shakti Shetty on the screen this Diwali! Are you excited?
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcomed their child, a baby girl on September 8. Days after delivery, Deepika offered insight into her journey as a mom.
Deepika Padukone changed her Instagram bio. Sharing her first update since becoming a mother, the actress wrote, “Feed, burp, sleep, repeat.”
Check it out here:
A recent report revealed that the new parents will not have a nanny for their daughter. They will also follow a no-photo policy like Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli and Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor.
Deepika and Ranveer announced the arrival of their baby girl in a joint post. They wrote, “Welcome Baby Girl! 8.9.2024 Deepika & Ranveer.”
Earlier today, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh returned to their home. They were seen exiting the hospital in a car.
Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again is gearing up for a clash with Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 this Diwali. While fans are excited about the double bonanza, the distributors and producers are busy trying to avert the clash. BB3’s director Anees Bazmee recently spoke to Mid-day and stressed the fact that clashes are never a good idea and he cannot help the situation despite announcing a date way before.
Bazmee was asked whether he himself discussed the issue with his longtime collaborator Ajay Devgn and the filmmaker said, “Why should I talk to him? It’s a business decision between producers, and I am just the director. Singham Again’s team is insisting on a Diwali release. Clashes are never a good idea. I know that we had announced Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s release date a year in advance, but what can we do?”
The filmmaker said that he believes in the fact that a good film doesn’t need a specific date to work and is surely the last person to get involved in box-office numbers and release dates. Anees has two of the closest colleagues making special appearances in Singham Again – Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar. Bazmee has collaborated with Devgn on films like Hulchul, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, and Deewangee.
Akshay Kumar on the other hand has worked with the filmmaker on films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Welcome (2007), Singh Is Kinng, and Thank You (2011). Unruffled with the clash, Bazmee added, “Both films are looking good, so both can do well at the box office. Ajay, Akshay, and Rohit are dear friends. They know Anees bhai will never call us to change the movie’s date. I’ve never done that. Each film has its own destiny.”
Releasing on Diwali, both movies are multi-starrers making the distributors hold their breath longer than usual. Singham Again features Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor in key roles with Akshay, Ajay and Ranveer’s special appearances from Rohit Shetty’s previous cop universe releases. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 on the other hand stars Kartik Aaryan alongside Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Triptii Dimri.
Which of the two are you more excited about? Tell us @pinvkilla
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh gave us all the best news on September 8, 2024. They welcomed their first child together that day and it was the best thing for all DeepVeer fans. Everyone was waiting for this moment since so many years. The couple got married in 2018 and it was one of the best news ever for fans that time. A few moments ago they announced pregnancy leaving everyone surprised and happy. Now, finally their baby girl arrived. People have been waiting for this moment and just before her delivery, the couple was spotted at the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai. Also Read – Stree 2: Shah Rukh Khan praises Abhishek Banerjee for his performance as Jana, ‘I’ve been wanting to… ‘
A lot of pictures and videos have been going viral of the superstar’s car entering and leaving the hospital. He made a late night visit. Fans could not stop praising the actor for showing how true their friendship is. People are showering love on SRK for this adorable gesture.
Take a look at the video here:
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone have done many movies together and it is always a treat to see their bond. Talking about Deepika and Ranveer, many of their fans have been talking about their baby on social media. Fans have been suggesting cute names for the baby and one name that people have loved is ‘Ravika’.
Watch a video on Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone
They have made this cute name by combining Ranveer and Deepika’s names. Well, this is a cute gesture by fans. On the work front, Ranveer and Deepika will be seen together in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again which will release during Diwali this year.
Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh who has recently been blessed with a baby girl is on the cloud nine these days. The handsome hunk of Bollywood manages to turn heads in style with his high-energy personality and bold fashion choices. Ranveer got married to Deepika Padukone and their wedding pictures left everyone asking for more. Also Read – Ranbir Kapoor on wife Alia Bhatt and daughter Raha Kapoor’s equation; here’s why he is a doting father
Ranveer Singh poked fun at Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s intimate wedding?
Well, Ranveer tied the knot with Deepika in 2018 and the two welcomed their first baby girl on September 8. While Vicky is happily married to Katrina Kaif in 2021 and are enjoying their marital bliss. Ranbir and Alia who got married in 2022 are parents to daughter Raha Kapoor.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh blessed with a baby girl on auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi
Parents-to-be, actress Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, have just welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Deepika, who recently received praise for her role in Nag Ashwin’s film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, has entered a new chapter in her life as a mother. The couple, who tied the knot in a grand ceremony in Italy in 2018, is now celebrating the arrival of their baby girl.On Sunday, Deepika and Ranveer were seen arriving at the hospital with their family. However, the paparazzi were unable to capture any pictures as the couple remained inside their curtained car. This joyous moment comes just a few days after the couple visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings. Deepika, dressed in a traditional green saree, was spotted with her baby bump, symbolizing this special phase of her life.Back in February, the couple had announced their pregnancy with a sweet post, hinting at the September 2024 arrival of their baby. For more insights into Deepika and Ranveer’s journey as new parents, watch the full video and stay connected with Bollywood Life for further updates!
Gear up for the exciting list of all the top news that buzzed throughout this week as we enter the new week of July 2024.
From Bollywood celebrities attending Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant’s Sangeet event to Sonakshi Sinha addressing pregnancy rumors after her wedding to Zaheer Iqbal, several news made headlines.
5. Amar Kaushik drops major hint at Shraddha Kapoor starrer Stree 3
Speaking to Hindustan Times, director Amar Kaushik opened up about Stree 3. He shared, “There is a possibility. There’s story still left to be told, and characters left to be explored. A call will be taken after the film’s [Stree 2] release. There is a possibility of Stree 3, 4 and 5.”
6. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s The Buckingham Murders gets release date
Deepika Padukone, Kiara Advani and others at Anant-Radhika’s sangeet
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are hosting a grand sangeet night. The couple looked amazing in each other’s company and were all smiles as they made their way into the venue. While Anant donned a black sherwani with golden details, Radhika looked lovely in a shimmery lehenga. The sangeet is being held at the NMACC and several Bollywood A-listers are expected to show up for this event.
Snapped arriving for the sangeet were B-town’s favourite couples Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal, Aayush Sharma and Arpita Khan Sharma, Shahid Kapoor and Mira Kapoor, and Atlee Kumar and Priya Atlee. Deepika too posted pictures of herself online hinting at her presence at the event. She however did not pose for the paparazzi. DP donned a purple saree and flaunted her growing baby bump, while Kiara was seen in a dazzling white ensemble. Varun and Natasha looked lovely in white and blue traditional ensembles, respectively.
Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha has been in the news. The movie is about a simple love story but there are many twists and turns in it. The trailer of the film has received all the love and people are excited to see Ajay Devgn and Tabu in a new avatar. The film also stars Shantanu Maheshwari, Saiee Manjrekar, Jimmy Shergill and others. Shantanu and Saiee play the younger version of Ajay and Tabu in the film. The songs of the film have also been quite popular and have been everyone’s favourite already. The film was supposed to release on July 5 but there were reports that the film might get postponed. Also Read – Auron Mein Kaha Dum Tha: Is Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer getting postponed due to Prabhas?
Apart from this, July 5 also has Karan Johar’s Kill releasing and hence, the makers of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha wanted to postponed. Now, the makers have confirmed that the film will not release on July 5. The makers released a statement, “Dear friends, on request of the exhibitors and the distribution fraternity, we have collectively decided to shift the release date of our film, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha… New Release date to be announced soon.”
Well, it will be interesting to see when will the movie release now. The actors have been busy promoting the film all this while. Ajay Devgn also has Singham Again releasing during Diwali and it is one of the most awaited movies.
Kalki 2898 AD has released in theatres today after much anticipation. The movie stars Prabhas, Kamal Haasan, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani in key roles and is directed by Nag Ashwin. Ever since it was announced, there has been great excitement amongst fans to see what this director-actor duo has in store. Especially, with the sci-fi theme and claims that it is nothing Indian cinema has experimented with or witnessed before. But does the team succeed in creating a never seen before experience? Check out our quick movie review of Kalki 2898 AD first half to know it all. Also Read – Kalki 2898 AD: Nani gives a big shout out to Prabhas starrer; terms it as ‘Internationally slick content oriented’ film
Kalki 2898 AD begins in an alternate universe and is a perfect blend of mythology and modernity. The setting is mesmerizing and the storyline gripping and will have you expecting the unexpected from the very start. Prabhas (Bhairava) takes his own sweet time to finally reveal himself on the screen but his entry is absolutely seeti-maar. The first half is spent in taking the audience inside the world of 2898 AD and introduction of key characters like Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), Sumathi (Deepika Padukone) and Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan). However, the pace is a little slow till you finally reach a gripping turn right before the interval. Also Read – Kalki 2898 AD movie review: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone starrer leaves masses mind-blown; call its VFX ‘extraordinary’
The setting is spectacular and the perfect big screen experience. And the larger than life characters make the storyline all the more interesting. We wait to see the second half where the destroyer and the savior will take on each other and await some more visually spectacular action scenes. So far the film has kept it’s promise to stun audience with an intriguing storyline and visual experience. But yet there is a lot that remains to be seen. There are some unexpected cameos in the first half and more lined up in the second half as well. However, despite such a cast and character heavy narrative, everyone seems to have their well deserved space in the storyline, even the AI assistance Bujji.
Check out the top video from Kalki 2898 AD event held in Mumbai
This is the Kalki 2898 AD review of the first half. Stay tuned for the full review coming up soon on BollywoodLife.
Deepika Padukone elegantly displayed her baby bump after a family dinner in Mumbai, exuding grace and beauty in a chic ensemble. Watch the video to know more.
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has indeed carved out a significant place for herself in the industry through her talent and hard work, now standing as one of the highest-paid actresses. Over her impressive 15-year career in both Bollywood and Hollywood, she has starred in numerous superhit films. Recently, she has been making waves in the media due to her pregnancy. Last night, she was spotted leaving a popular restaurant in Mumbai after enjoying a family dinner. During this outing, Deepika proudly displayed her baby bump, a sight that has been captured in previous sightings as well. Dressed elegantly in a black body-hugging dress, paired with a stylish blue denim jacket and white sneakers for comfort, with her hair cascading down, and carrying a chic black bag, Deepika exuded sheer grace and beauty. To know more about Deepika recent outing you can click on the link given below and watch the whole video.
EXCLUSIVE: “I’m not so good at this part, you know,” Indian megastar Prabhas tells Deadline on the set of upcoming mythological sci-fi movie Kalki 2898 AD.
He is referring to his inability to push his work “into the international level,” but this might all be about to change. For Deadline is speaking to Prabhas in the late evening about a movie which, at a reported budget topping 600 crore rupees ($72M), is estimated to be one of the most expensive Indian movies ever made, potentially the most. Vyjayanthi Movies is behind the production.
Releasing on June 27 after multiple delays, director Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD is a sci-fi infused retelling of the Hindu myth of Kalki and the Kali Yuga, the end of the current world age. The film launched its first teaser at the San Diego Comic-Con last year under previous title Project K, becoming the first Indian film to do so. “The whole film is made for international [audiences],” says Prabhas. “That’s why it’s the highest budget and we’ve got the best actors in the country.”
Along with Prabhas, the film brings together some of India’s most renowned actors – veteran Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, actor, entrepreneur and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone, who was India’s top-paid actress last year, and multiple National Award-winner and Tamil actor Kamal Haasan. “I never thought I would work with people like Amitabh Sir and Kamal Sir [at all], let alone in one film,” Prabhas adds. “When I heard, I called the producer and said, ‘What are you giving me? This is an achievement beyond anything’.”
While India’s international film footprint is primarily associated with Hindi-speaking Bollywood, Kalki 2898 AD is shot primarily in Telugu and will release simultaneously in five languages. It is the latest example in a string of recent films that have been dubbed “pan-Indian” by critics, featuring stars from Bollywood in the same productions as those from regional Indian film industries such as Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. Since starring in S.S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion – which were the top-grossing Indian movies ever at the time of release – Prabhas has been widely regarded as the first ever “pan-Indian” actor.
“We were hearing for the first time people calling me ‘pan-Indian’,” he says. “That doesn’t really affect me but it’s a good feeling to think that people around the country like me now.”
Throngs of fans
Prabhas is being modest, as evidenced by the throngs of fans in his home state of Andhra Pradesh that gather for a promotional event two days before our chat.
The event in Andhra Pradesh. Image: Treeshul Media Solutions
An estimated 15,000 fans congregate to see the launch of Bujji, a custom-made sentient car that acts as a comic sidekick to Prabhas’ lead character Bhairava in the film. Police patrol the area to prevent a stampede, and a meshed grill separates the crowds from Prabhas, who pulls up two hours late in a working model of the Bujji car accompanied by a blaze of pyrotechnics, dramatic music and squad of black-costumed stormtroopers.
Although Bollywood is undeniably huge, the level of devotion bestowed on South Indian film stars (specifically in the Tamil and Telugu film industries) is reminiscent of frenzied parasocial behaviour more commonly seen among obsessive fandoms of musical artists. Of the 10 minutes he takes to address the masses, several are spent apologizing for a promotional Instagram story teasing “a very special person,” which prompted fans to speculate wildly about his relationship status. “I’m not getting married any time soon, I don’t want to hurt the feelings of my female fans,” assured Prabhas, the crowd roaring its approval.
“In the South especially, [the fans] feel like you are their family,” he explains to Deadline later. “They feel everything. Sometimes they feel like you are their son, the kids feel like you are their brother. Sometimes they feel like you are God.”
“So whatever is said and done, I will be very careful that I will not cheat them,” he adds.
The pressure to not let people down is perhaps felt even more keenly by 38-year-old Ashwin, who is directing the movie. “We have four of the biggest stars in the country, some of the biggest VFX studios and there are a huge amount of action sequences as well,” he explains.
A self-professed nerd as a child, Ashwin’s vision for Kalki 2898 AD resembled “a character from [Indian mythological comic book] Amar Chithra Katha fighting someone from X-Men”. “I hope people will feel really strange when they leave the theater after watching Kalki 2898 AD, and will say, ‘Where am I? Can I go back into this world?’,” says Ashwin, who recalls feeling similarly disoriented after watching James Cameron’s Avatar. He says he made the movie for his 10-year-old self.
The scale of promotion is intended to be global – as seen from last year’s Comic-Con launch – but Ashwin is clear he will not modify any of the names to be more palatable to non-Indian audiences. “It’s Ashwatthama,” he says, spelling out the full name of Bachchan’s cursed warrior character. “Ashwatthama with two T’s.”
Bollywood dancers perform before the ‘Kalki 2898-AD a.k.a. Project K’ panel and screening at the 2023 Comic-Con International: San Diego
Michael Buckner/Getty Images
World cinema has seen countless adaptations of Norse, Greek and Roman mythologies, but Hindu is trickier to adapt because it still boasts more than 1 billion adherents worldwide. An increasingly polarized India has seen multiple film adaptations of Hindu mythology announced in recent years, includingNamit Malhotra’s upcoming version of Hindu epic Ramayana. Hailed as a global collaboration and featuring Hans Zimmer on the score, this movie will become another of India’s most expensive film productions in 2025.
Ashwin is not concerned, stating that Kalki 2898 AD does not involve any characters actively worshipped by large numbers of Hindus. “We can take it as extremely religious or we can take it as the story of somebody who was born with a lot of power, didn’t know what to do with it, and found his mentor in the process,” he says as Prabhas nods agreement. “Of course, if you tell it in the Indian context there will be a bit of devotion and emotion, but I feel any story can be dealt with subjectively without bringing a religious connotation.”
Kalki 2898 AD is the first instalment in this universe, and, if the first performs well, Ashwin, who says Marvel movies “open massively” in India, plans to direct sequels. Aside from ensuring the financial satisfaction of the film’s stakeholders (including his wife, sister-in-law and father-in-law, who are producers on the film), Ashwin’s definition for success involves “reaching people and demographics that we didn’t sit in a room and try to target.” He shares the example of going on a family holiday to the northeast Indian state of Sikkim, where a small theater was still showing Baahubali a month or two after its release. “I thought that was really cool because I don’t think the makers planned that to happen.”
“If that happens for this movie, that would be something special.”